McDonnell approved the new guidelines Thursday after the state Board of Health voted 12-1 earlier this year to adopt them.

McDonnell’s office calls the new rules “common-sense” regulations that will help ensure the safety and well-being of patients.

The regulations require existing clinics to meet the same strict building standards as new hospital construction.

The change was approved last winter by the General Assembly.

Some medical experts who advised state health officials on the development of the regulations suggest that political concerns, not safety problems, were behind the crackdown. They say some of their key recommendations were not followed.